Page 126 - Atlas Of The World's Strangest Animals

126 ATLAS OF THE WORLD’S STRANGEST ANIMALS

Emperor Tamarin

With their stupendous, snowy moustaches, emperor tamarins are one of the

most curious of South America’s primate species.They lack a number of the
physical advantages that many apes and monkeys take for granted, but other
adaptations mean these tiny tamarins do surprisingly well for themselves.

Key Facts ORDER Primates / FAMILY Callitrichidae /
GENUS & SPECIES Saguinus imperator

Weight Up to 400g (14.1oz)

Length Up to 26cm (10.2in)
Tail: up to 41cm (16.1in)

Sexual maturity 16–20 months
Spawning season All year
Number of young 2

Gestation period 140–145 days
Breeding interval Yearly
Typical diet Dry season: fruit
Wet season: nectar and small insects
Lifespan Up to 12 years in the wild;
17 in captivity

(c) 2011 Marshall Cavendish. All Rights Reserved.